Monaco is the second smallest independent state on the European continent, following the Vatican. The country sits on the eastern border of France, and shares much of their culture, including language, money, and expectations of visitors.
When packing for a trip to Monaco, it’s good to keep in mind Monaco’s climate. Nestled on the Mediterranean Sea, the weather is typical of the area. Summers can be exceedingly hot and tend to be on the dry side. During the cool winter months, rain does fall, but roughly only sixty days per year, leaving three hundred days of sunshine.
The languages spoken in Monaco are largely based on its location. There is a population that speaks Monegasque, but French and Italian are heavily spoken as well, and English is widely used in the small country.
A passport is, of course, required, and allows for a stay of up to ninety days in the country. A longer stay requires a Visa.
The monetary unit of Monaco is the Euro, which is the currency of nearly all the surrounding and nearby countries. Switzerland is a main exception. For the most part though, when traveling in and around Monaco, taking a day trip to France or Italy for instance, the Euro will be the only currency needed.
Tipping is always a difficult notion in foreign countries, as the rules vary widely and leaving an inadequate tip can be offensive. In Monaco, hotel and restaurant bills usually already include a fifteen percent service charge. If this is not on your bill, fifteen percent is customary. Fifteen percent also applies to taxi drivers.
Monaco has many posh stores, including the Boutique du Rocher, which sells handcrafted items, and benefit a charity created by Princess Grace. Monegasque stamps are prized possessions for stamp collectors, and Monaco also offers perfumes, chocolates, clothing, jewelry, and more. Keep in mind when making purchases though, if you buy enough, you will have to pay a duty when re-entering the United States, or your home country.
Though Monaco is a country of royalty, casual dress is acceptable, and common, for daytime. Some of the fancier restaurants and clubs, just as in the U.S., do require more formal attire, usually jacket and tie for men.
While the Monegasque do have some holidays in common the rest of the world, they also celebrate quite a few holidays that are unique to their country or western Europe. It’s a good idea to check holidays before visiting to ensure you haven’t planned an excursion on a day when your destination may be closed. and don’t forget some of the special events that are known worldwide such as the Monte Carlo Rally and the Monte Carlo Grand Prix that take place in Monaco.
For more information on visiting Monaco, or to find a holiday schedule, check out the official website of the country at Visit Monaco.